Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of raloxifene (Evista) for the prevention of osteoporosis. What is the primary therapeutic action of this medication?

• A. It decreases the absorption of calcium from the intestines.
• B. It decreases bone resorption and increases bone density.
• C. It increases the excretion of calcium through the kidneys.
• D. It stimulates the formation of new bone.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), works by decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone density. This action helps in preventing osteoporosis by maintaining bone strength. Choice A is incorrect as raloxifene does not affect the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Choice C is incorrect as raloxifene does not increase the excretion of calcium through the kidneys. Choice D is incorrect as raloxifene does not directly stimulate the formation of new bone; instead, it primarily works by reducing bone loss.

2. A female patient is taking combined hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. She visits the gynecology clinic and is noted to have a blood pressure of 176/102 mm Hg. The patient is started on enalapril mesylate 10 mg. In collaboration with the primary care provider, what other patient teaching should be provided based on her current medication regimen?

• A. Instruct on a low-salt diet.
• B. Instruct to discontinue the contraceptives.
• C. Instruct on the use of relaxation techniques to decrease stress.
• D. Instruct on the rationale for increasing the contraceptive dose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Women on hormonal contraceptives and antihypertensives like enalapril should be counseled to adopt a low-salt diet if severe hypertension occurs. This dietary modification can help in managing blood pressure levels. Instructing to discontinue the contraceptives is crucial in cases of severe hypertension as it poses an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Instructing on relaxation techniques may have some benefits in reducing stress levels but addressing the root cause, such as discontinuing contraceptives in this scenario, is more critical. There is no rationale for increasing the contraceptive dose when hypertension is present; in fact, it should be stopped to prevent complications.

3. In which patient would the manifestation of a headache be a sign of a serious underlying disorder?

• A. A 55-year-old man with new onset of headaches that are worse at night and reported mood swings according to his family
• B. A 30-year-old woman with a unilateral throbbing headache with photophobia and nausea
• C. A 60-year-old man with his head feeling full and throbbing and muscle aching around his neck and shoulders
• D. A 40-year-old woman who experiences food cravings, gets irritable, and then develops a pulsatile-like headache on the right side of her head

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. New onset headaches in older adults, especially if worse at night, may indicate a serious condition like a brain tumor. Choice B describes symptoms commonly seen in migraines. Choice C describes tension-type headaches. Choice D describes symptoms of a menstrual migraine which is not typically associated with a serious underlying disorder.

4. An infant is being administered an immunization. Which of the following provides an accurate description of an immunization?

• A. It should be administered to a pregnant woman prior to the infant's birth.
• B. It is the administration of an antigen to stimulate an antibody response.
• C. It produces many adverse reactions, particularly autism, in the infant.
• D. It protects the infant from exposure to infectious antibodies.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Immunization involves administering an antigen, such as a weakened or killed microorganism, to stimulate the immune system to produce an antibody response. This process helps the body recognize and remember specific pathogens, providing immunity against future infections. Choice A is incorrect because immunizations are administered to the infant directly, not to the pregnant woman before birth. Choice C is incorrect as there is no scientific evidence linking immunizations to autism. Choice D is incorrect as immunizations protect against infectious agents, not antibodies.

5. Which of the following mediates humoral immunity?

• A. Natural killer cells
• B. T cells
• C. B cells
• D. Neutrophils

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Humoral immunity is mediated by B cells, not natural killer cells, T cells, or neutrophils. B cells are responsible for producing antibodies, which are essential components of humoral immunity.

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